In a significant step toward addressing gender disparities within the energy sector, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the United Kingdom’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) convened a high-level roundtable discussion on gender and energy security. The event took place at Marlborough House in London, strategically scheduled ahead of the upcoming Summit on the Future of Energy Security, which is being hosted by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in collaboration with the UK Government.
The roundtable brought together approximately 30 distinguished delegates, including economists, academics, civil society representatives, and leaders from the private sector. Participants gathered under the Chatham House Rule, allowing for open and candid discussions on how to foster a more inclusive and equitable energy future, particularly for women.
A central theme of the discussion was the creation of an enabling environment in which women are not only beneficiaries of energy security initiatives but also active contributors to a just and sustainable energy transition. Delegates emphasized that gender-sensitive approaches are essential to ensure that energy policies and programs do not inadvertently reinforce existing inequalities.
One stark reminder came from a participant who noted that nearly 2.5 billion people globally still rely on traditional fuels for cooking—a figure comparable to the entire population of the Commonwealth. This dependency poses serious health risks, particularly for women and girls, who are most often responsible for household cooking in many societies. The exposure to harmful fumes from such fuels results in thousands of preventable deaths each year.
Several attendees shared successful case studies of clean cooking initiatives that improved public health and expanded access to renewable energy. These programs have allowed families to light their homes with solar power rather than candles, enabling children to study safely after dark. Despite these successes, many expressed frustration that these solutions, though available for decades, have not been adequately scaled to deliver widespread, long-term impact.
A private sector representative captured the mood succinctly, stating, “Twenty years later, and we are still talking about clean cooking. The lack of progress is deeply frustrating.”
The discussion also delved into the complexities of the “Energy Trilemma,” a term used to describe the balancing act between energy security, sustainability, and equity. Delegates highlighted the need to approach energy policy with a broader lens—one that includes not just technical and economic factors, but also personal and societal considerations. A representative from the Commonwealth Secretariat suggested that incorporating personal safety into policy design could significantly benefit women, noting that something as simple as reliable street lighting can enhance women’s security in public spaces.
Furthermore, the roundtable examined the role of carbon credits and the importance of using disaggregated data to accurately assess the impact of energy initiatives. It was pointed out that the mere distribution of clean cooking devices does not equate to transformative change unless such interventions are meaningfully integrated into everyday life.
The conversation also touched on the policies of Development Financial Institutions (DFIs), with some participants expressing concern that current restrictions—particularly those excluding fossil fuels—may hinder transitional progress. One government delegate remarked, “Programmes do not need to be end-solutions. They can serve as stepping stones in the broader journey toward sustainable energy.”
Organizations represented at the event included the Royal Commonwealth Society, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), KPMG C-Suite Leadership Programme, POWERful Women, Shell, BP, Women in Carbon, Energy UK, and National Grid, among others.
As the world grapples with the urgency of climate action and energy equity, this roundtable underscored the critical need for gender-responsive policies and collaborative frameworks. The insights shared in London are expected to inform the deliberations at the forthcoming Energy Security Summit, paving the way for more inclusive and impactful energy solutions worldwide.
